Random Best Project Cars For Beginners And Expert Mechanics (30 items)

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  (#1) Toyota Corolla LE

  Technically, just about any year Corolla makes a great project car for beginners. They can all be pulled apart with a simple set of metric tools, and come with user-friendly drivetrains - including the legendary 4AG motor in all its glorious variations. However, the models produced from 1966-1986 have the best body styles, and are easier to work on than more modern, computer laden models. This range of production years of course includes the legendary Levin and Trueno (AE86) series, and those classic Pony-car inspired beauties with fun details like fender-mounted mirrors. 
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  (#2) Mazda MX-5 Miata

  The Miata is one of the greatest project cars for all levels, but n00bs especially benefit from it. For those craving a canyon carver, the simple layout, near perfect weight distribution, and fun factor make this model an ideal first project car. If you want to get extra crazy, you can build your very own “Monster Miata” by cutting into the firewall and shoving an 8 cylinder into the engine bay.
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  (#3) Toyota MR2

  • Toyota

  Most older Toyotas are excellent project cars for n00bs, and the first two generations of the MR2 are no exception. These platforms offer a variety of engine options from the factory that can be easily swapped for customization - choose to stay stock and keep it naturally aspirated, kick things up by going big-bore, or add forced induction via a turbocharger or supercharger. Plus, the 2nd gen has T-Tops if that’s your thing. MR2s are fun as hell to drive, easy to work on, and have a strong cult and aftermarket following. If you ever hit a road bump in your build journey, there are countless friendly forum members to provide support along the way.
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  (#4) BMW 325is E30

  • BMW

  Bimmer fans wax rhapsodic about all three of these models, and endlessly debate over which is the best project car. The E28 is the predecessor of the M5, the E30 revolutionized the 3 Series, and the E34 offers sedan and hatchback body styles as options. Regardless of which one you choose, these legendary BMWs offer user-friendly layouts with large aftermarket support. They are also low maintenance with relatively inexpensive parts, which makes them perfect for greenhorns looking to build their own ultimate driving machine.
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  (#5) Toyota Celica XX

  • Toyota

  These sports cars were produced from 1978 to 1981, before Toyota split its grand tourer from its primary economy car of the time into two separate models. They come from the factory with track-friendly inspired touches that make them ideal project cars, like pop-off plastic caps for easy access to the rear struts for quick adjustments. Their straight-six motors are reliable and torquey, with lots of room in the engine bay for working on it stock, or throwing in something with more power. Swapping in a 7MGTE is a great project, as it only requires a modest amount of modification, and has massive aftermarket support.
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  (#6) Honda Civic Si

  The humble Civic and CRX are excellent project cars for n00bs with a taste for imports. There are a gazillion for sale everywhere, they are super easy to work on, and they have massive aftermarket support through killer companies like Mugen and Spoon. These cars have a huge potential for power-to-weight ratio, while maintaining great fuel economy. Plan to invest in a reliable security system, however, as these cars are some of the most commonly stolen in the nation.
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  (#7) Ford Mustang

  • Ford

  Either the 1st Gen Mustang or Fox body Mustang both make excellent project cars. They have tons of aftermarket and community support, taking the guesswork out of whatever plans you have in store. They both feature user-friendly, relatively simple layouts, and they both offer a massive fun factor. Keep the classic Mustang stock, or resto-mod it for vintage style with modern amenities. For those craving power, the Fox body is a great starter option with over 220HP out of the box, and the ability to easily swap in other Ford options for substantially more power.
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  (#8) Nissan 240SX

  • Nissan

  This is a great project car for those looking for a budget-friendly driftmobile. They are much easier to acquire than the coveted AE86, and lower maintenance than an RX7. Parts are inexpensive, and there is massive aftermarket support. They have enough room to hold extra tires, and feature low-key cool Japanese styling. A limited amount were even transformed into convertibles by American Sunroof Company - so you can have your drift, and lower your top too.
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  (#9) 1st Gen Chevy Pickup

  These timeless pickup trucks were manufactured from 1951 to 2002, and most of those years make great project cars for beginners. However, 1960-1966 presented the best body styles, featured the bulletproof Chevy Small-Block, and the simplest electrical systems - perfect for newbies. On top of that, there is also a massive amount of support for those looking to build or modify these trucks. There are even complete kits from companies like Brothers Trucks for those looking to make their long beds short, or their big rear windows small, and everything in between.
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  (#10) Toyota Celica

  • Toyota

  Some Celicas are ugly as sin and boring to drive, but some generations have fantastic classic Japanese style. This option is especially ideal if you’re looking for a sporty convertible on a budget. Like other Toyotas, these cars are easily modified, and many components from similar models fit together like Legos. This makes customization a breeze, and you can easily transform one of these humble machines into a proper street beast with simple modifications and engine swaps.
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  (#11) Pontiac Firebird 400

  • Pontiac

  These cars were made from 1967 to 2002, with a lot of variation during those years. The early generations of the “Thunder Chicken” are also supported by companies like YearOne. Later models, like the 4th Generation offer blistering power for your buck, and all are easily modifiable. 
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  (#12) Mazda RX7

  This is a fun and practical choice for those interested in learning about the mysterious world of rotary engines. These motors only have about three moving parts, compared to the hundreds found in traditional internal combustion engines. This makes them far more capable of tolerating increased forced induction and boost, perfect for turning into turbocharged canyon carvers. However, the internals need to be rebuilt about every 50,000 miles or so, which makes these cars better weekend warriors than daily drivers.
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  (#13) Subaru Impreza WRX

  • Subaru, Subaru Impreza

  The good ‘ole WRX is a great option for those with an adventurous spirit. The optional wagon body-style and standard all-wheel drive make it an ideal platform for those who live in mountainous areas, crave cross-country driving, or rally or road-racing. They are reliable, simple to work on, easy to source, and fun as all get-out. Plus, there are a plethora of bolt-on upgrades available from Subaru Tecnica International.
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  (#14) Honda S2000

  • Honda

  The S2K is another beautiful car that requires very little modification from the factory, but has a huge amount of aftermarket support for those who choose to customize theirs. With 237 stock horsepower and a six-speed manual, this front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive 2-seater has near perfect weight distribution. This makes it an ideal car for drifting or hitting the canyons. Get fancy with a removable hardtop or convertible option. Upgrade even further with the addition of a carbon fiber trunk, fenders, doors, and all the things.
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  (#15) Mercury Monterey

  • Mercury, Ford

  For those interested in learning how to build their own “kustom” or low rider, the 1955-’56 Ford ‘Merc is an excellent choice. It is a solid classic car, with a huge following and tons of aftermarket support. Due to its popularity, parts are easier to source for these cars compared to other classics. It’s the perfect platform for learning how to chop and drop your ride, as well as adding air suspension, or experimenting with custom paint.
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  (#16) Acura Integra

  • Acura

  The Integra offers the fun factor and aftermarket support of the S2000 and RSX, but with a much lower sticker price. It was sold by Honda as a step-up option from the Civic, and features upgrades like disc brakes on the front and rear. The third generation offers exceptional classic Japanese styling, and if you are lucky enough to find a Type R, you’ll be the proud owner of what is considered by many to be one of the best front-wheel drive performance cars ever made. The sticker price can be considerably higher on these models, however - and you’d probably want to keep a rare gem like that original anyway.
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  (#17) Volvo 240

  These may not be the sleekest cars, but their steel bodies and reliable drivetrains will get you safely where you need to go. They’re solidly built with that European quality and will run forever if properly maintained. They make excellent sleepers that won’t rack up your insurance costs like some of the other cars commonly considered for projects. Plus, the possibility of theft is highly unlikely.
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  (#18) Toyota 4Runner

  • Toyota

  4Runners made from 1984-1989 are some of the coolest trucks ever made. It’s an SUV set on a 4x4 Pickup chassis, with a removable hardtop for when you need to haul lots of gear, or just want to feel the wind in your hair. They feature four and six cylinder motors that are easy to modify and swap out for something with more power. There’s lots of room in the engine bay for an eight cylinder if you desire. These unique trucks make excellent rock crawlers and off-road vehicles, with enough interior space to convert into a tiny house on wheels.
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  (#19) Acura RSX

  In Japan, this was the fourth and final generation of the Honda Integra. In the United States, however, it was sold under the Acura badge with the model name “RSX.” Whatever the name, these are lovely cars right out of the box. They are fun, sporty, front-engine, front-wheel drive two-door coupes ranging from 160-220HP. You have your choice of a 5 or 6-speed manual transmission (and 5-speed auto if you prefer, but that’s not as fun), along with Type S and Type R factory upgrades and trim packages. They cost a bit more up front than some of the other imports on this list, but you’ll be able to spend more of your time and money on modifications rather than restoration.
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  (#20) Toyota Supra

  • Toyota

  Any year Supra makes a fun project car for those seeking a sporty Japanese project. The 4th gen features the legendary 2JZGE straight-six capable of tolerating massive amounts of boost and modifications producing over 1,000 horsepower. That’s about 600 more horsepower than you really need, but it sure makes for great track driving, grand touring, and road racing. Aftermarket products from companies like JUN, Tom’s, and Mine’s are great resources for engine rebuild and clutch kits, and suspension and drivetrain upgrades.
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  (#21) Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

  • Mitsubishi

  Evo’s are scary torquey from the factory, with 291 to 303 horsepower out of the box. They make excellent road racers and canyon carvers capable of leading double lives as family cars or daily drivers. Hey honey, it’s got four doors, a roomy backseat, and trunk! It’s perfect for us and the kids!
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  (#22) Volkswagen Golf

  • Volkswagen

  This is another tiny front-wheel drive car that can be easily modified into a street beast. They have a fanitical following along with tons of aftermarket upgrades and support. A great choice for those interested in building something for the Eurotuner scene, without breaking the bank.
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  (#23) Dodge Dart

  • Dodge

  These classic cars are also supported by companies like YearOne and Classic Industries, making parts sourcing a breeze. These cars are also super cool, and come in 4-door sedan, wagon, and convertible options. The old school metal body also makes these cars super safe, which is a nice feature for newer drivers. You might as well be driving a tank around, albiet a very stylish, comfy one.
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  (#24) Chevrolet Chevelle

  • Chevrolet

  Any model car that has an existing catalog of aftermarket and replica parts is one that will make the project come together that much easier. YearOne Muscle Car Parts offers extensive parts for these cars. They have everything you need to build your car, down to the last nut and bolt. Chasing down the right parts can add an exorbitant amount of time and cost onto any project car. Removing that element from the equation will allow you to focus more on the joy of the build and less on the stress of getting the right parts.
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  (#25) Datsun/Nissan Z-car

  • Nissan, Datsun

  240z’s were Nissan-Datun’s answer to the American Pony car trend of the 60’s. They were sold in the States from 1969-1978, and represent the first generation of the iconic Z and Fairlady cars. Purchase prices are low, and it’s fairly common to find them for sale in local listings in various conditions. You can even source original parts from sites like Datsun Garage, in addition to multiple aftermarket upgrades.
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  (#26) Toyota Hilux

  • Toyota

  Since 1968, Toyota has been producing pickup trucks known the world over for their reliability and versatility. Whether you want to build the ultimate work truck, mini truck, or off-road vehicle, ‘Yota trucks offer elegant solutions for these applications. The 3rd thru 5th generations came with the legendary 22R motor, which will keep running until you shove a nuclear bomb inside it - and even then, it will probably keep going with some fresh spark plugs.
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  (#27) Datsun 510

  • Datsun

  The iconic 510 is perfect for those interested in road racing, rally racing, or auto cross. They are frequently listed for relatively low purchase costs, and the versatility of this model makes it easy to choose how you want to build this car. Modifications are relatively simple, and the body has lots of space for installing a custom roll cage and other off-road goodies. Throwing a turbo-charger into the engine bay gives these cars crazy power-to-weight ratios - such 510’s have beaten Corvettes, Cobras, and Porsche 930’s in their class.
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  (#28) Chevrolet Camaro

  • General Motors, Chevrolet

  Camaros are iconic American cars, and early generations are simple, user-friendly machines. Owning one is like owning a piece of history, and restoring one is a very special process. They have lots of support from companies like Classic Industries and YearOne, and original parts are accessible in junk yards and on Ebay. Keep your project stock, or give it a fresh overhaul with a resto-mod approach.
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  (#29) Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

  • Chrysler, American Motors

  Not to be confused with the ZJ or WJ, the XJ Cherokee is one of the most beloved Jeep models. Enthusiasts rave about their low purchase cost, longevity, and inexpensive, easy-to-access parts. They also love how easy they are to work on, as the entire car can be dismantled with a simple metric tool set. A great option for those seeking an SUV or something they can take off-road.
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  (#30) Volkswagen Beetle

  • Volkswagen

  “Bugs” have been a favorite project car for generations. They are readily available, simple to work on, parts are easy to get and inexpensive, and you can easily swap in Porsche components to add some extra “oomph.” The simple electronics make swapping in different motors a breeze. Their versatility is second to none - you can transform one into a dune buggy, or race it down the straights.

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